Derek B – R.I.P. by Frost Gamble
I am definitely tired of hip-hop legends passing away too young.
Derek B (aka EZ-Q) was the first British rapper to make noise in the U.S., first with his single “Rock the Beat” and later with the LP Bullet From a Gun. A multi-talented artist, he rapped, produced and DJ’d; covering all the duties on his Profile debut (in the late 80’s, I wisely bought anything that came out on Profile). He made a little noise with this release and then seemed to play the background, continuing to work as a producer and remixer. Derek B’s not going to be on many top 10 lists, but he definitely had skills and dropped a solid album. I mean, dude was featured on Mr. Magic’s (umm, also RIP… case in point) Rap Attack Volume 1 – it can’t get more official than that! I hope his passing will receive more reflection in the UK than it will probably get in the States. In honor of the man and his music; let’s break down the samples he used on a few of his tracks…
